La Fete De La Victoire: French Celebration Of WWII Victory In Europe

The end of World War II, also known as Victory Day in Europe, is celebrated as a national holiday on May 8 every year in at least seven countries in Europe. In France, the celebration is called "La Fete de la Victoire".

It will be recalled that it was on May 8, 1945 when Charles de Gaulle, then leader of the Forces Francaises Libres (FFL), announced the end of the Second World War in France. This announcement was made a day after the unconditional surrender of the forces of Nazi Germany was accepted by the Allies. It is fitting that France observes this momentous event every year, especially since it was in the city of Reims where the act of military surrender was signed.

How does France celebrate La Fete De La Victoire? First of all, since it is a public holiday, most business establishments are closed on this day; so are banks and post offices. Except on tourist areas, cafes, restaurants, and stores may also be closed. One may find some stores open on this day along main direct roads, at railway stations, or at airports. Those planning to spend the holiday in Paris will find many stores open there on this day.

Also note that roads, particularly those in the center of cities or towns, may be closed for parades. And depending on where one resides and intends to travel, schedules of public transport service may differ from those of ordinary days.

During the entire week preceding May 8, all educational institutions incorporate special lessons in their classes, which focus on the history of the Second World War and the oppressive acts committed by Nazi Germany against the French people. Through these lessons, every succeeding generation will be informed of the events that took place during the war and will have a better understanding of the importance of preserving the rights of every human being.

La Fete de la Victoire is an occasion for the French people to attend church services and parades, and sing patriotic songs in parks and streets, foremost of which, of course, is the French national anthem "La Marseillaise". On this day, too, one will find the Tricolore (the national flag of France) prominently displayed on every home and public building.

The flag, of course, is the most important symbol in any country, signifying that country's independence. To describe the French national flag, it is fifty percent wider than its height and has three colored bands (blue/white/red) of equal width. In some ceremonies, the flag and emblem of the European Union is also displayed to emphasize that all countries in Europe are united in peace.

While the prevailing mood during this special day is one of merriment, many people likewise use the occasion to remember family members, friends, or other people they know who had been victims of or died during the war. French veterans of the war, who may still be physically capable of rendering public service on this day, do so as part of the celebrations.